But first... Where you can drive
Note, there are restrictions on where you can drive 2WD campers and motorhomes. These can only be driven on sealed/bitumen roads. The only exception to this are well-maintained access roads of less than 12 kilometres to recognised campgrounds and major tourist attractions.
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
Must-visit national parks near Brisbane
Ready to explore Brisbane’s national parks? Here are our top picks:
1. Lamington National Park
Distance from Brisbane CBD: 106 km
Driving time: Approx. 1.5 hours
Less than two hours drive from Brisbane, Lamington National Park spans over 21,000 hectares of natural beauty. Part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, the ancient landscape of the park was formed some 300 million years ago. The park has more than 160 km of walking tracks that range in levels suitable from beginners to those with a thirst for a challenge. This park is also a haven for some of Australia’s unique wildlife, including a plethora of birdlife. Keep an ear out for the distinctive ‘whipcrack’ squawk of the whipbird. Have your camera primed and ready to shoot as you explore this picturesque park. With over 500 waterfalls and breath-taking panoramic views at every turn, there are endless photo opportunities waiting.
Make the most of your visit with an extended stay at O’Reilly’s Campground. You’ll find powered sites, a communal kitchen, firepit, and some of the best views around.
2. Springbrook National Park
Distance from Brisbane CBD: 104 km
Driving time: Approx. 1.5 hours
Another park belonging to the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, Springbrook National Park offers a chance to step back in time. You’ll feel a million miles (and years!) away from civilisation as you explore the beautiful tracks and trails. A popular choice is the 4 km Twin Falls Circuit that offers up lookouts with incredible views, magnificent waterfalls, dense rainforest and ancient Antarctic beech trees. The abundance of water in the park offers a home to a diverse selection of water-dwelling creatures. Keep an eye out for frogs, blue spiny crayfish, and eels. You might also spot the rare Richmond birdwing butterfly or an elusive Albert's lyrebird.
Park up your campervan at The Settlement camping area – the only campsite in Springbrook National Park. The site has toilets, drinking water, a cooking shelter, and free electric barbecues. There are no showers or rubbish bins provided. Bookings are essential.
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
3. D’Aguilar National Park
Distance from Brisbane CBD: 16 km
Driving time: Approx. 35 mins
It may be a short drive from Brisbane’s CBD, but D’Aguilar National Park feels a world away. Explore sheltered pockets of sub-tropical rainforests and expanses of eucalypt woodlands. For a great photo op, stop at Jollys Lookout for panoramic views over the D’Aguilar Range, the Glasshouse Mountains, Samford Valley, and Moreton Bay. And if you’re visiting in summer, bring your swim gear and cool off at Rocky Hole. For a close-up look at some of Australia’s precious native animals, visit Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre.
Note, camping in the park is only accessible for 4WD campers. But because Brisbane City is so close, you’ll find loads of excellent campgrounds nearby. The best way to find one that suits you is to download the free thl Roadtrip app. This handy app has everything you’ll need to help make your campervan holiday fun and enjoyable. Not only can you find a great campsite nearby, you’ll also be able to search out petrol stations, supermarkets, laundromats, free Wi-Fi, and pretty much everything else you need while you’re travelling.
4. Tamborine National Park
Distance from Brisbane CBD: 23 km
Driving time: Approx. 30 mins
Sitting 560 metres above sea level on Tamborine Mountain, Tamborine National Park has it all – from spectacular waterfalls to beautiful birdlife. It’s also a great spot to take in some short walks. A popular choice is the 1.1 km (return) Curtis Falls Track. Take the enchanting walk beginning in wet eucalypt forest that merges into lush rainforest. Keep your eye out for basking turtles on fallen logs by the rock pool. If you’re lucky you might see the local platypus. At night, look for glow-worms in the surrounding cliffs.
There is no camping in Tamborine National Park, however, a great option for an overnight stay is nearby Thunderbird Park.
5. Fort Lytton National Park
Distance from Brisbane CBD: 67 km
Driving time: Approx. 1 hour
Built in 1881 and used for the defence of Brisbane until the end of the Second World War, Fort Lytton is an important historic site. This pentagonal fortress is concealed behind grassy embankments and makes for a fascinating spot to explore. The fort is open every Sunday and most public holidays. Come for a day visit and discover more of Australia’s colonial past. Join a free tour of the fortress, picnic along the grassy banks of the Brisbane River, or take the opportunity to hear the cannons boom. While you’re here, be sure to visit the museums to learn more about the stories of this historic landmark.
6. Noosa National Park
Distance from Brisbane CBD: 142 km
Driving time: Approx. 2 hours
Sitting on the sunny doorstep of Queensland’s tourist mecca Noosa, the Noosa National Park is a treasure trove of natural wonders. Spend the day at one of the park’s secluded beaches. Spot dolphins playing in the ocean at Boiling Pot and Dolphin Point. One of the must-dos in this national park is the Hells Gate Walk. This 4.8 km circuit walk starts at the main beach before heading around the headland along a wide custom-built boardwalk. Several beach access points such as Little Cove, Boiling Pot or Tea Tree are perfect for a quick swim. If you’re lucky, you may spot a koala sleeping high in the trees!
There is no camping in the park, but there are plenty of sites nearby including Noosa River Holiday Park. Set right on the banks of the gorgeous Noosa River, this great holiday park has everything needed for a relaxing road trip stopover.
7. Moreton Island National Park
Making the perfect Brisbane day trip, Moreton Island National Park is home to crystal-clear lagoons, beautiful wildflowers, fort ruins, and endless sandy beaches. Park up your campervan at one of Brisbane’s handy holiday parks and catch the ferry over for the day. While you’re on the island, visit Queensland’s first lighthouse at Cape Moreton. Built in 1857 from sandstone, the lighthouse is surrounded by stunning scenery and offers outstanding whale-watching opportunities. Another must-do on the island is climbing the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest vegetated sand dune, Mount Tempest. Once you reach the top, take in the panoramic views over the bay.
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
8. Kondalilla National Park
Distance from Brisbane CBD: 105 km
Driving time: Approx. 1.5 hours
Located on Queensland’s sublime Sunshine Coast, Kondalilla National Park was created by volcanoes and carved out by water over millions of years. Kondalilla means ‘rushing waters’ in the local Aboriginal language. You’ll soon see why as you hear the thundering 90-metre Kondalilla Falls, one of Blackall Range’s most spectacular waterfalls. The park also is an important refuge for many animals and plants including the pouched frog and the bopple nut which is vulnerable to extinction.
There is no camping in this national park, but you’ll find plenty of great options nearby on the Sunshine Coast.
9. Sundown National Park
Distance from Brisbane CBD: 297 km
Driving time: Approx. 4 hours
A little further out from Brisbane, the Sundown National Park is a great destination for those wanting a longer road trip. Escape to the wilderness and into a dramatic landscape of sheer-sided gorges, tree-lined ridges and peaks rising over 1000 metres above the Severn River. Sundown offers fantastic birdwatching opportunities with over 150 species recorded in the park. Watch eastern grey kangaroos browsing around The Broadwater late in the afternoon or early in the morning. Red-necked wallabies, swamp wallabies and wallaroos also live in the park. There are some great walks to choose from too, but note that summer temperatures can reach 40°C so it’s best to plan your walk for the cooler months from April – September.
Set on the grassy northern bank of the Severn River, the Broadwater camping area is the perfect holiday destination for those keen to get back to basics. Note, there is no drinking water or powered sites, so you’ll need to ensure your campervan is fully charged and well stocked. There are small barbecues, pit toilets, and bush showers available.
10. Teerk Roo Ra National Park (Peel Island)
For another great day trip from Brisbane, park up your campervan and head to Teerk Roo Ra National Park (Peel Island). This pristine island paradise is brimming with natural and historic gems. Meaning ‘the place of many shells’, Teerk Roo Ra National Park can only be accessed by boat or watercraft. Book with Aria Cruises for a relaxing day trip where you’ll land on the sandy shores of Horseshoe Bay. Expect to spot bottlenose and Australian humpback dolphins as you sail across the bay.
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
Inspired to add these national parks to your bucket list?
Ready to escape to one of these bucket-list Australian national parks? Why not explore them in the comfort and luxury of a maui campervan hire. Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty and explore the sights and sounds at your own pace, all while enjoying the freedom and flexibility of campervan travel.
At maui, we have a wide range of motorhomes and campervans available for hire that are perfect for your next Australian road trip. Keen to start exploring? Book your campervan online, pick it up at our Brisbane branch and get ready to hit the road!